Messi has faced many top defenders in his playing career.
Virgil van Dijk was left off Lionel Messi’s list of the Premier League’s top defenders after the Argentine revealed the league’s best defender.
Despite never having played in the Premier League, Messi has faced the finest defenders in the Champions League and on the international scene in England’s top division.
In the World Cup and the Champions League, he and Van Dijk have engaged in some fierce combat, and both have an equal share of records in all those contests.
During the 2018–19 season, Messi and Van Dijk engaged in a remarkable Champions League match in which Liverpool overcame a three-goal deficit to defeat Barcelona 4–3 overall.
However, when Argentina eliminated the Netherlands on penalties in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup, he defeated Van Dijk.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner chose another defender as the greatest in the world, despite his on-field conflicts with Van Dijk.
Lionel Messi chose his compatriot Cristian Romero and praised him when Argentina defeated Ecuador in 2023 to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“For me, he (Romero) is the best defender in the world right now,” he said. “Amazing performance tonight, man of the match.”
Since earning his debut for Argentina in 2021, Romero has amassed 42 caps. He secured Lionel Messi’s first World Cup trophy while leading his country to World Cup glory in Qatar.
Romero’s outstanding performances for Spurs have established him as one of the Premier League’s top defenders. Before the move was finalised, he initially signed a loan deal with the North London team from Atalanta.
Romero is the best centre back in the world, reveals Alejandro Garnacho
In 2024-25 Europa League final against Manchester United, the 27-year-old defender, helped his side win the trophy, ending a 17-year trophy droght. He was also named the Man of the Match for his incredible performance on the night.
After the match, Man United star Garnacho named him as the best defender in the world.
Alejandro Garnacho: “Cuti Romero is the best centre back in the world”, told ESPN.
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